Bridgeport police officer Ryan Mullenax led by his partner Zeus, a proud member of the Bridgeport Police K9 Unit was able to locate a missing 9-year-old special needs child who had wandered away from their home.

Bridgeport police officer Ryan Mullenax led by his partner Zeus, a proud member of the Bridgeport Police K9 Unit was able to locate a missing 9-year-old special needs child who had wandered away from their

Bridgeport Police K9 Officer Zeus is being credited with helping find a9 -year-old special needs child who had wandered away from his home recently.

Bridgeport Police K9 Officer Zeus is being credited with helping find a9 -year-old special needs child who had wandered away from his home recently.

Photo: Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo

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Police dog rescues child

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BRIDGEPORT - Police on Monday credited one of its canine units with rescuing a 9-year-old special needs child who had wandered away from his home.

“This child would not have been found if not for the efforts of K9 Officer Mullenax and K9 Zeus. This is an example of the great work that our officers do on a daily basis. Incidents like this one often go unnoticed but they are an integral part of our team and all we do to serve our community,” said Chief Armando Perez.

On July 9, shortly after 9 p.m., officers were dispatched to a family home on Catherine Street when the mother of the boy realized that her son had walked out the back door and was not in sight, police said.

Officer Ryan Mullenax and his dog Zeus arrived on the scene and police said Zeus was given an article of clothing the boy had worn earlier in the day. The dog smelled the clothing and picked up the child’s scent.

Zeus and Officer Mullenax began the track from Catherine Street down Harral Avenue into the Nanny Goat Park, police said. They then traveled back to George Street where the dog located the missing child.